Teaching summary
In this brief but powerful teaching, Pastor Leonard Rola addresses the problem of contradictions in the believer’s soul—conflicting beliefs formed by tradition, legalism, denominationalism, and inaccurate translations of Scripture. He explains that such contradictions keep Christians “stuck in the yuck,” unable to fully experience the abundant life God offers. Using Scripture, Pastor Rola reaffirms who believers are, what they can do, and what they already have in Christ. By applying the right filters—“I am, I can, I have”—and relying on the Holy Spirit, believers can smash contradictions, walk in truth, and experience prosperity and health as their soul prospers.
Bible verses referenced
Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Colossians 1:12: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.”
John 1:12: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
3 John 1:2: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
3 John 1:4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
Ephesians 3:20: “Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction and Context
- Understanding Contradictions
- The Right Filters: “I Am, I Can, I Have”
- Power Verses: Living in Christ’s Strength
- The Importance of Proper Translation and Hermeneutics
- The Holy Spirit: Our Helper in Truth
- Walking in Truth, Prosperity, and Health
- Closing Encouragement
Introduction and Context
Pastor Leonard Rola begins by greeting his audience warmly, explaining that Pastor Lori is away but expected to return soon. He expresses heartfelt appreciation for the congregation’s love and support, emphasizing how much he and Lori value their partnership. He notes that this session builds upon Sunday’s message about contradictions—how they keep believers “stuck in the yuck” and prevent them from living the abundant life God promises.
Understanding Contradictions
Pastor Rola defines contradictions as aspects of a situation that differ completely from others, creating confusion or difficulty in understanding. Contradictions in the soul, formed by inconsistent teaching, denominational tradition, legalism, or the co-mingling of covenants, produce confusion about what believers should pray for or believe. He clarifies that while God’s Word is true from cover to cover, not every passage applies directly to believers under the New Covenant of grace. Recognizing and rejecting contradictions is vital to living in freedom and truth.
The Right Filters: “I Am, I Can, I Have
To combat contradictions, Pastor Rola offers three core filters:
-“I am” who God says I am—righteous, holy, complete, perfect in Christ, raised with Him, one spirit with Him.
–“I can” do what God says I can do—empowered by Christ’s anointing.
-“I have” what God says I have—the fullness of my inheritance as a joint heir with Jesus Christ.
These truths must be accepted regardless of translations that suggest believers are not yet qualified or must work to achieve these states.
Power Verses: Living in Christ’s Strength
Pastor Rola highlights key Scriptures to reinforce these truths.
Philippians 4:13- “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Colossians 1:12 – “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.”
John 1:12- “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
Ephesians 3:20- “Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
These verses affirm believers’ identity, ability, and inheritance in Christ—facts that must govern how Scripture is interpreted and lived out.
The Importance of Proper Translation and Hermeneutics
Pastor Rola warns that some contradictions stem from translation issues or outdated language. He recounts an encounter with a man wearing a shirt that said “God is bad,” which initially troubled him until he realized the cultural vernacular meant “God is good.” This experience illustrates how language and culture can shift over time. He urges believers to utilize tools such as Bible dictionaries, concordances, and translation comparisons to understand Scripture in its historical and contextual context.
The Holy Spirit: Our Helper in Truth
Pastor Rola emphasizes that God has given believers the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth. The Holy Spirit testifies of Jesus and helps Christians discern truth from error. With the Spirit’s help, along with proper study and hermeneutics, believers can navigate translations and cultural differences to grasp God’s Word accurately.
Walking in Truth, Prosperity, and Health
Drawing from 3 John 1:2- “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth”—Pastor Rola explains that contradictions in the soul hinder prosperity and health. When believers walk in truth with right filters, they experience God’s best. As 3 John 1:4 says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” God rejoices when His children reject contradictions and live out their true identity in Christ.
Closing Encouragement
Pastor Rola concludes by thanking his audience for their prayers and support, acknowledging the ministry’s current challenges but expressing faith in God’s ability to meet needs through His people. He prays that believers will apply the message, smash contradictions, and walk in the fullness of their inheritance in Christ.
We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with friends and family so they too can experience freedom from contradictions and walk in the truth of God’s grace.